Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
our point of view
Connecticut is a truly diverse community and we believe in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). It is diversity that makes us a strong community and our chapter stands with the Black community against violence and racism. We want to support our community and are ready to act.
Russ Klein, American Marketing Association CEO, made a statement in his letter: “The AMA chooses to be on the right side of historic and meaningful change.” Change starts with each one of us and there are many ways to advocate for change. Please take a moment to read the full message on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from Russ Klein: https://www.ama.org/a-message-from-the-american-marketing-association/
HOW you can get started
Learn about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Connect with friends and colleagues
Support DEI initiatives in your workplace
Discuss the importance of diversity at home
Contribute and be active in the community
how ama connecticut is organizing our efforts
There are four areas of endeavor AMA Connecticut is pursuing.
Make DEI part of who we are. We’ve signed-on to the AMA Chapter DEI pledge, which commits us to incorporate DEI into our chapter mission, programming, membership, leadership, and operating principles.
Financial support. AMA CT Chapter will donate $1,000 to The Prosperity Foundation (“TPF”). TPF is a community foundation designed to strengthen Connecticut’s Black communities in critical areas such as health, education, and economic development. Our commitment is not a one-and-done donation, but a start on the journey to making a positive and ongoing contribution to TPF’s mission to promote philanthropy, prosperity, and self-empowerment in the Black community. You can read more here.
Internships for students of color. AMA will proactively seek internship opportunities for students who go to school or call our area their home base. This initiative may be rolled up into a job board that is also planned for the chapter.
Create or distribute a database of minority-owned businesses in our area. An essential part of getting a fair shake is to be known to those who would buy from you. Our chapter will either create and maintain or partner with an area organization that publishes a database of businesses in the marketing trades that are majority-owned by minorities.
There’s unquestionably more that can be done, but it’s a meaningful start. As a relatively small chapter and board, resources are limited. As we grow, more will be done.
If this aspect of our mission appeals to you, I invite you to join your local AMA chapter, here in Connecticut, or wherever you live, so that you can help make a difference in the lives of those who live among us, yet live a vastly different experience.
selected resources
AMA Virtual Training - The DEI Imperative: Fundamentals for Marketers
8 Ways to Support Black Lives Matter: Protests, Donations and More
How to Help Black Lives Matter Movement, Protesters | Time
Black Lives Matter: Do companies really support the cause